Stand-up specials are more accessible than ever now thanks to streaming platforms. The genre has become so popular through streaming, the Golden Globes added a new category this year to recognize the work of these comedic professionals.
Though some platforms are trying to compete with Netflix, the streaming giant remains the best place to find a range of stand-up specials from legends with a broad appeal to niche comics just starting to gain traction. What’s more, Netflix is always adding something new, like these four recently added stand-up specials.
‘Rachid Badouri: Les fleurs du tapis’
Born in Canada to Moroccan immigrants, Rachid Badouri had a unique upbringing that shaped him into the internationally famous comedian he is today. Get to know him better through his new Netflix special, Rachid Badouri: Les fleurs du tapis. You’ll have to read subtitles, but it’s proof that some humor is international.
‘Ricky Gervais: Armageddon’
Ricky Gervais has been canceled enough that it’s expected he’ll say something irreverent in his stand-up specials. For the crowd that finds this a breath of fresh air, Ricky Gervais: Armageddon is a hit of pure oxygen.
The special won Gervais the first-ever Golden Globe for Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television. If Jo Koy’s performance as host at this year’s ceremony made you miss Gervais, you know where to find him.
‘Dusty Slay: Workin’ Man’
If you’re a fan of Nate Bargatze’s podcast, you’re familiar with Dusty Slay, but if not, he might be new to you. The Nashville-based entertainer has the distinct honor of being the youngest stand-up comedian to have ever performed at the Grand Ole Opry.
He’s got a large following on TikTok and a special with Comedy Central, and while he was featured in Season 3 of The Standups on Netflix, Dusty Slay: Workin’ Man is his first solo stand-up special with the streaming platform. If you like absurd humor, this one’s for you.
‘Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli’
Pete Davidson is staying booked and busy in his post-Saturday Night Live era. He’s had roles in multiple movies, had his own series – Bupkis – with Edie Falco and Joe Pesci air on Peacock, and he returned to the aforementioned variety show to host after his first scheduled appearance was canceled due to the writers’ strike. He’s also now got Pete Davidson: Turbo Fonzarelli on Netflix, and it’s an hour of classic Davidson humor.
Each of these stand-up specials is streaming now on Netflix.